Keeping them in stitches

Thursday

Nov 15, 2012 at 3:15 AM

By Conor Makemcmakem@fosters.com

ROCHESTER — Are we starting to see a pattern? Members of the American Sewing Guild (ASG) hope so.

They are reaching out to schools in an attempt to bring more kids into the art and enjoyment of sewing. They started at Rochester’s McClelland School in 2011. You might think it would be difficult to get kids interested in sewing in today’s world, but that’s not so thanks to television shows like Project Runway.

“Last year’s program at the McClelland School was very successful,” said Charlene Roche, a neighborhood coordinator for ASG. “The children look forward to the next project.”

The concept is simple. Volunteers visit schools once a month for about two hours and teach the students how to sew. Unfortunately, there are only four volunteers for this general area and they already visit schools in Alton, Wakefield, Meredith, Barrington and Hampton.

They need more volunteers.

“We’d like to expand it into other schools,” Roche said. “We’re trying to reach the young sewer.”

Students use sewing machines with supervision and, of course, a needle and thread. Roche explains that the coordination and confidence they gain through sewing can last them a lifetime. She adds that the economy has caused a resurgence in refashioning and recycling clothing.

“My grandmother is a really good sewer,” said fifth grader Samantha Bertrand, who wants to be a gymnast. “She makes me blankets every year.”

Fourth grader Mary Elkhloury has plans on becoming a “fashionista.”

AmeriCorps brought the ASG in to teach sewing as an after school program. The woman most responsible for organizing the program for the ASG is the NH Guild Vice President, Barbara Smith, a neighborhood host, who started the program at McClelland.

The ASG has had a New Hampshire chapter for 11 years. They have sent clothes to hurricane victims in various parts of the country, orphans in Africa and they have donated to a number of needy organizations since their inception.

With the McClelland students’ help, small dolls have been donated to the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Pediatric Ward, as well as surgical gowns and hats, and adult bibs for the elderly who have lost some muscle control.

“If we can get people to donate fabric, we’d love it,” Roche said, adding that they are willing to pick up any donations.

Sewing experience isn’t necessary to help in the schools, though a criminal record check is required. If you are interested in helping the Sewing Guild implement the program, contact Barbara Smith at littleking@metrocast.net.

The American Sewing Guild is a national non-profit organization dedicated to people who believe sewing is a rewarding and creative activity. Visit the NH guild at www.nhasg.org or the national guild at www.asg.org for more information.

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